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CONS

Short gameplay time makes it hard for the game to define itself uniquely; feels like 'Okami-meets-Metroidvania' rather than 'LostWinds'.

VERDICT

LostWinds, one of WiiWare's launch titles finds a home on the iOS platform, bringing its beautiful charm and tightly drawn story to a new audience.

Full Review

App Store Info

It almost goes without saying, but there's a lot of overlap when it comes to Nintendo's touch and waggle interfaces on the DS and Wii, and Apple's iDevices - essentially anything that focuses primarily on the ability to swipe as a control system is ripe for recreation on touch devices. English developer Frontier Developments introduced themselves on the Wii platform with LostWinds and thanks to its simple, yet clever style of control, iOS gamers can also experience this charming title as well.

You play as Toku, a boy chosen by the wind spirit Enril as its chosen champion - cue a backstory involving elemental spirits, a rogue spirit who is captured (but not destroyed) and now it's up to Toku and Enril to set things right. On your quest you'll need to find shrines to 'awaken' Enril, gaining new abilities and in turn unlocking access to new areas. I won't spoil the plot (as it's a rather short one), but the game is part of a series and as such the ending leaves itself open.

What makes LostWinds so incredibly engaging is its use of touch-controls to manipulate the wind, activating special powers and providing Toku with mobility via 'gusts' to boost his jump. However Toku isn't the only one that can be manipulated, with most of the game's environments reacting naturally to the strong breeze. This leads to some interesting, if simple puzzles, such as directing fire to wooden barriers or carrying boulders to hold down switches.

Although short (anywhere up to four hours depending on how much you sidetrack), LostWinds makes up for it by not trying to pad the game with time-wasters and handing you plot almost as fast as you can handle it. The iOS version also boasts a collectable side-mission that unlocks 3D models, which can subsequently be used as an overlay for pictures in your library; it's not much, but at least it acknowledges the platform's social features.

If you've already completed LostWinds then you may not have as much incentive to come back to the game again, however those who haven't played it yet should do themselves a favor and spend an afternoon enjoying what the game has to offer.

Description

An innovative, fresh platform-adventure bursting with gameplay ideas - wield the awesome elemental powers of Enril the Wind Spirit, from raging tornados to the subtlest breeze, in a stunningly presented combination of combat, exploration and puzzle solving.

Guide and protect Toku, a young boy and the only one who can help you release the curse placed upon the enchanting world of Mistralis and its people by evil Balasar.

LostWinds is absorbing, beautiful and fun - an essential experience on iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Put the power of the Wind at the tips of your fingers today!

REVIEWS:
"Its blend of beautiful graphics and sound, compelling platforming, challenging puzzles and of course the intuitive one-finger controls, makes it one not to miss." TouchGen
"A wonderful treat, brimming with clever ideas and imaginative sights." PocketGamer
"Drop whatever you are doing and pick this up now, you won't regret it." AppShack
"Buy this, sit down with a cup of coffee in a peaceful house and enjoy the best few hours in gaming, and savour every moment." SmartPhone App Review

TouchGen Editor's Choice "Best Platformer of 2011"

- Power Toku’s jumps and glides through Mistralis’ different regions
- Buffet and smash enemies
- Solve puzzles as you journey to a dramatic showdown
- Richly interactive: Mistralis rewards experimentation and bursts to life with your every action and exploration
- Includes Game Centre integration and Achievements
- The ‘Snapshot’ feature lets you add game characters to your own photos and share with friends

We are collecting statistics to help us target further improvements to our iOS games. This version of the game sends a tiny one-off packet of data to Frontier - an anonymous snapshot of what hardware, iOS version and language settings are in use only. No personal information is ever recorded.
The high resolution images featured on this page were taken from iPhone4s and iPad2. The actual image quality this universal app delivers will vary depending on the processing capabilities and screen resolution of the device on which you run the game.

What's New in Version 1.5

Screenshots

Screenshot 1 of 9

Comments

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SumoSplash3 years, 3 months ago

I recommend both LostWinds 1 and 2, especially 2. Technically you'll need to also own LostWinds 2 to see the story to the end, but paying for it is a no brainer after getting this one for free. It's a port that translates well and doesn't feel forced into iOS.